upend

[uhp-end]

verb (used with object)

1. to set on end, as a barrel or ship.

2. to affect drastically or radically, as tastes, opinions, reputations, or systems.

3. to defeat in competition, as in boxing or business.

verb (used without object)

1. to become upended.

2. to place the body back-end up, as a dabbling duck.

upend

/ ʌpˈɛnd /

verb

1. to turn or set or become turned or set on end

2. (tr) to affect or upset drastically

Word History and Origins

Origin of upend¹

First recorded in 1815–25; up- + end ¹

Example Sentences

Now, his own commerce secretary has upended the administration’s strategy of evasion, which has at times been quite effective, by naming the elephant in the room — or, in this case, on the National Mall.

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They upend tables, throw drinks in each other’s faces and throw hands at their parents.

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The festival has also weathered changes in the industry, as streaming platforms have upended distribution models.

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The changed times became the key to Lady Mary’s salvation, since the stage and cinema also upended the social order.

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Critics have called the effort a naked power grab by Missouri conservatives, the new map upending a status quo that, according to an analysis by Princeton University’s Gerrymandering Project, does not confer any partisan advantage.

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Related Words

• abolish 
• conquer 
• crush 
• depose 
• dethrone 
• eradicate 
• oust 
• overcome 
• overrun 
• overturn 
• put an end to 
• raze 
• subdue 
• subvert 
• topple 
• unseat 
• vanquish